The Orlando Real - Theme Parks

4 Treats to Stay Cool This Summer at WDW

By Holley Long

Going outside during summertime in Orlando always seems like a good idea—until you feel the sun. Floridians are well acquainted with warmth, but during this season the heat and humidity become a full-fledged monster. 

If you’re going to be out and about this summer, make sure you drink plenty of water and eat snacks to keep your energy up. And, if you plan on spending days at Walt Disney World, stay even cooler for the summer with treats across the parks. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our faves.  

Joffrey’s Key Lime Cold Brew (EPCOT)

I don’t know about you, but when I have an early start at a Disney theme park, I need coffee, STAT. Luckily, there’s no shortage of Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company carts to grab a…

634 Views, 0 Comments

Seaworld Day Camps for Kids of All Ages this Summer

By Holley Long

Summer is so close we can taste it (and definitely feel it in this Central Florida heat), and you may be looking at the months between school years, wondering how to fill them for your child. While there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando, we know of something that will have kids learning in a fun, safe, and exciting environment. 

SeaWorld Orlando Day Camps 

If your child has ever expressed a curiosity in ocean wildlife, SeaWorld Orlando’s day camps are the perfect thing to turn that little interest into respect and love for the sea and its creatures. For a week, your camper will receive hands-on experience and exposure in the marine biology sphere, meeting dolphins, sharks, whales, and more. 

While the kids enjoy their…

357 Views, 0 Comments

Disney Lake Nona Campus Cancelled and Starcruiser Announced Final Voyages

By Jessica LaVigne

The Walt Disney Company had two very big announcements yesterday, impacting thousands of Florida and California-based Cast Members and Imagineers. With news of the company not moving forward with their Lake Nona relocation, and ultimately shutting down the Galactic Starcruiser, what does this mean for Orlando?

Disney Lake Nona Campus Cancelled

The announcement for the new Disney Lake Nona campus came in 2021, where Disney would start their $1 Billion project. An estimated 2,000 Cast Members and Imagineers would be relocated from California, with many not guaranteed a role with the company if they chose not to move. 

Image by Tavistock

In 2022, however, the project was postponed and estimated to be completed by 2026.…

606 Views, 0 Comments

5 Restaurants for Date Night in Disney Springs

By Holley Long

A day spent at Disney Springs is always full of fun, whether you’re shopping, listening to live music, or grabbing a meal at one of the many unique restaurants. Disney Springs is also a great spot for date night, and if you’re looking for the right restaurant to dine with that special someone, we have a few great suggestions! 

1. Wine Bar George

Live out your sommelier dreams during date night at Wine Bar George. With over 200 wines selected from established wineries and up-and-coming regions, the restaurant has plenty of options to delight the senses, and for novice tasters, your waiter can help find the right glass of vino for your palate. 

Wine Bar George is also a good spot for those who want to sample an…

693 Views, 0 Comments

Inside Look at the New Rosa Mexicano Restaurant at Disney's Dolphin Resort

By Holley Long

A new restaurant has opened on Disney property, and it’s already proving to be a delight. Guests can now dine at Rosa Mexicano at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort (on the Dolphin Resort side). Read on to learn more about the restaurant, its menu, and what makes it stand out.  

The Restaurant 

The new Rosa Mexicano location is one in a chain of restaurants dating back almost 40 years. Founded by Chef Josefina Howard, the first restaurant opened in New York in 1984, and since then ten other locations have opened throughout the eastern United States. 

Restaurant Layout Image by Rosa Mexicano

The atmosphere of Rosa Mexicano at Disney’s iconic Dolphin Resort truly makes it feel like a fiesta. The dining…

454 Views, 0 Comments

Earth Day and 25th Anniversary Celebrations at Disney's Animal Kingdom

By Holley Long

This April 22 is Earth Day, an annual event to raise environmental awareness and show love to our beautiful planet. It’s also the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort’s Animal Kingdom. While it has the usual thrill rides, Animal Kingdom is a unique theme park in that it offers its guests a chance to connect with nature and animals they wouldn’t otherwise encounter. 

The park certainly has a lot to celebrate, and throughout the month of April, there are a lot of ways guests can celebrate, too. 

Image by Walt Disney World

Special Activities

Animal Kingdom, of course, has year-long attractions that explore and honor wildlife, like Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Conservation Station, but there are a few added activities…

865 Views, 0 Comments

WDW Marathon Weekend General Registration Opens Tomorrow

By Holley Long

Lace up those running shoes! The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend may be nine months away, but registration opens for all the races on Tuesday, April 11—and spots fill up FAST.

Image by Walt Disney World

The Weekend

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, taking place in 2024 from January 3 to January 7, is an annual event put on by runDisney, the road race division of Disney Sports Enterprises. Each race lets you run through the Disney theme parks, cheered on by your favorite characters. You can even stop for a brief meet-and-greet and photo with them, captured by Disney’s Photopass.

As a runner, you’ll receive on-course and post-race refreshments, along with a participant T-shirt. And, whether you finish first or…

617 Views, 0 Comments

Specialty Easter Treats at WDW

By Holley Long

With Easter Sunday coming up soon, Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating with decor, merchandise, and, of course, exclusive desserts. You can find these treats, which are just a sample of the special offerings, at many of the different Disney resorts. 

Read on to find something to indulge your sweet tooth!  

Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Yacht Club Resort

Carrot Garden Fudge

Our first treats can be found at two Disney resorts: the Beach Club Marketplace at Beach Club Resort and the Market at Ale & Compass at Yacht Club Resort. That’s where you can snag this chocolate fudge decorated with a vanilla carrot cookie. Yum!

Orange Vanilla Bunny Tart

This tart, decorated with the fluffy tail, ears, and paws of a bunny, is…

902 Views, 0 Comments

WDW Park Reservation System Changing in April

By Holley Long

If you, like many, long for the day when you can visit any of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks without first booking a reservation at the park, you will be one step closer to that day come April. 

Because on April 18, Disney World annual passholders will be able to visit any of the parks after 2 p.m., no reservation required. 

What is the WDW Park Reservation System? 

The Disney World park reservation system began in 2020 after the resort and theme parks shut down for four months during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a way to control occupancy, anyone who visited the parks needed to both purchase valid admission for the day and schedule their visit online by selecting the park they’d be going to and the date on which they’d…

1277 Views, 0 Comments

Best Citywalk Eats

By Kismet Kohn

CityWalk is located on Universal property near Doctor Phillips, and has food for anyone! Ranging from full meals to just a tiny bite at a hole in the wall, you can find something that will make your mouth water.

The Restaurants

CityWalk offers numerous restaurants and every year they’re adding more. There's Bigfire, Antojitos, Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom, Cowfish, and Vivo, just to name a few. Bigfire offers traditional American cuisine, such as steak, burgers, and pasta. If you're in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, Antojitos serves nachos, tacos, and enchiladas.

Images by Universal Citywalk Orlando

During Mardi Gras season, Bob Marley serves a special dish, rum cake, and their usual meat and fish…

741 Views, 0 Comments